Kitchen: meaning, definitions and examples

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kitchen

[ˈkɪtʃɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

room

A room or area where food is prepared and cooked.

Synonyms

cookhouse, cooking area, culinary space.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kitchen	This is the most common and neutral word used to refer to the room in a home where food is prepared and cooked. She spent hours in the kitchen preparing a feast for her guests
cooking area	Refers more generally to any designated spot where cooking takes place. It is often used in open floor plans or small living spaces. The tiny apartment had a modest cooking area near the window
culinary space	A more formal or modern term, often used in design and architecture contexts to describe stylish or high-end cooking areas. The luxurious apartment boasts a state-of-the-art culinary space equipped with the latest appliances
cookhouse	Used more historically or in specific contexts like camps, military bases, or outdoor settings. It is less commonly used in everyday language. The soldiers gathered in the cookhouse for their evening meal

Examples of usage

The kitchen is my favorite room in the house.
She spent hours in the kitchen baking cookies.
We gathered in the kitchen to have a family dinner.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

utensils

Utensils, dishes, and appliances used for preparing and cooking food.

Synonyms

cookware, kitchenware, utensil set.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kitchen	Refers to the room or space in a house where food is prepared and cooked. I love spending time in the kitchen, trying out new recipes. The kitchen needs to be cleaned after dinner.
cookware	Used when referring to items used in cooking, especially pots, pans, and other vessels. You should invest in good quality cookware for better cooking results. The cookware set includes a frying pan, a saucepan, and a stockpot.
kitchenware	Refers to various tools and instruments used in a kitchen, including cookware, utensils, and small appliances. He bought new kitchenware for his renovated kitchen. This store specializes in kitchenware and gadgets.
utensil set	Specifically refers to a collection of tools used for cooking and serving food, like spoons, forks, spatulas, and tongs. The utensil set includes everything you need for everyday cooking. She received a beautiful utensil set as a wedding gift.

Examples of usage

She organized her kitchen by hanging pots and pans on the wall.
The kitchen was stocked with all the necessary tools for baking.
He bought a new set of knives for his kitchen.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

culinary

The profession or practice of cooking.

Synonyms

chef profession, cooking, culinary arts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
kitchen	This word might appear twice due to an error, but it typically has the same definition and context as previously mentioned. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. She loves designing efficient kitchens for her clients.
cooking	This word is commonly used to describe the activity or process of preparing food by combining and heating ingredients. She enjoys cooking meals for her family every day. Cooking can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby.
culinary arts	This phrase is used when talking about the professional study and practice of cooking, including the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food. Often used in a more formal or academic context. He is studying culinary arts at the local culinary school. Culinary arts require a deep understanding of ingredients and techniques.
chef profession	This term refers to the occupation or career of a professional cook who is responsible for meal preparation, planning, and overseeing kitchen staff. He chose the chef profession because of his love for making delicious food. The chef profession demands long hours and intense creativity.

Examples of usage

She studied culinary arts and became a chef.
He decided to pursue a career in the kitchen.
The kitchen requires creativity and precision.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'kitchen' comes from the Old English 'cycene,' which is related to the Latin word 'coquina,' meaning 'kitchen' or 'place for cooking.'
Originally, kitchens were often separate from the main living areas of a house to keep smoke and odors away.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, a place for family gatherings and sharing meals.
The modern concept of an 'open kitchen' gained popularity in the late 20th century, fostering a sense of community during cooking.

Historical Evolution

In medieval times, kitchens were typically large and featured a central hearth used for cooking and heating the home.
The invention of appliances in the 19th and 20th centuries, like the gas stove and refrigerator, transformed cooking practices and kitchen layouts.

Science of Cooking

Chemistry plays a crucial role in cooking – for example, Maillard reaction is what gives browned foods their distinctive flavor.
Understanding temperatures and times is essential in baking; a slight change can affect the texture and taste of food.

Literature and Art

The kitchen has been a popular subject in literature and art, often depicted as a scene of warmth, comfort, and creativity.
Famous artists like Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin painted kitchens to reflect everyday life, emphasizing domesticity.

Translations

Translations of the word "kitchen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cozinha

🇮🇳 रसोईघर

🇩🇪 Küche

🇮🇩 dapur

🇺🇦 кухня

🇵🇱 kuchnia

🇯🇵 キッチン

🇫🇷 cuisine

🇪🇸 cocina

🇹🇷 mutfak

🇰🇷 부엌

🇸🇦 مطبخ

🇨🇿 kuchyně

🇸🇰 kuchyňa

🇨🇳 厨房

🇸🇮 kuhinja

🇮🇸 eldhús

🇰🇿 ас үй

🇬🇪 სამზარეულო

🇦🇿 mətbəx

🇲🇽 cocina

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,700, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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